Barclays Premier League Preview:
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Fulham
An exciting encounter is on the cards at White Hart Lane, where
4th placed Tottenham Hotspur take on Europa League hopefuls
Fulham, in a crucial midweek affair. Having been beaten at
Anfield by a recharged Liverpool side in their last outing, and playing out a frustrating stalemate against relegation battling Hull
City, Tottenham’s recent league form hasn’t quite lived up to their fans’ expectations. Their opponents Fulham, too have had a rough
January, losing three of their last four league games, earning just a point in the process, ironically against Spurs in their previous encounter last month.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp was left extremely frustrated after Leeds United snatched a last-gasp penalty equaliser in
Saturday's FA Cup tie at the Lane. The 2-2 draw, which saw the premier league side waste a host of chances, means an extra distraction for last years League cup finalists.
The draw against the league one leaders epitomizes an erratic start to 2010 for Tottenham , who are under fierce pressure from a rejuvenated Manchester City side, whose new manager Roberto
Mancini has turned their fortunes around since his arrival.
Redknapp has admitted that the absence of speedy winger Aaron
Lennon, because of a groin problem has hampered his side’s progress. The lack of creativity in midfield and defensive vulnerability are major areas of concern for the Boss.
Tottenham have not been able to assert their dominance at the
League this season and have suffered shock defeats at home to the likes of Stoke City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The north
Londoners would be hoping for a positive result against their opponents from West London, to revitalize their league campaign.
FULHAM
Last season’s surprise package Fulham, haven’t been able to

reproduce quite the same form that elevated them into the Europa league ,this year around. Though the cottagers booked a place in the 5th round of the FA cup by virtue of a hard fought 3-1 win against Accrington Stanley, their recent run of three consecutive losses in the league has brought them to the bottom of the top half, much to the dismay of their supporters.
Just like their opponents, the transfer market has been very dull for the Cottagers, with no new entrants. Roy Hodgson has ruled out any new signings this month, a decision that hasn’t gone down too well with the fans. However, on the brighter side, the rise of young defender Chris Smailing, has boosted the manager’s defensive options for the remainder of the season.
INJURY AND AVAILABILTY NEWS
The long term absence of inspirational winger Aaron Lennon, is by far Tottenham’s biggest miss. Their defensive problems are set to be further compounded by the absence of key defenders Jonathan
Woodgate and Benoit Assou Ekotto.
Fulham too will be without some of their key performers. With top scorer Bobby Zamora ruled out of the match, Roy Hodgson will be looking at his attacking midfielders including the likes of Damien
Duff and Clint Dempsey to provide the goals for the Cottagers.
The only other major absence is that of right back John Pantsil, without whom Fulham have proved rather vulnerable at the back.
Otherwise, Roy Hodgson will have a full strength squad at his disposal, for the important trip across the capital.
KEY PLAYERS
Jermain Defoe: The England international has produced some truly magical performances for his side this season, including a stunning
5 goal display when Spurs beat Wigan 9-1 at the Lane back in
October. Defoe, who hasn’t scored in the last three matches, would be eager to regain his